Hibiscus tilaceous, or Hibiscus Taiwan is a nice plant to work with and also has some variants that can make your bonsai garden enjoyable to witness. I have seen listings for a red variant, but not actually seen it myself.
I have recently acquired a variegated variant. They are just cuttings for now, but they have started to show signs of growing. I am on the hunt for the Red (Var Rubra) plant I think. Not sure though if this is a plant for bonsai.
They are a nice part of my Bonsai garden.
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Hibiscus tilaceous
- Common Name: Hibiscus Taiwan, Sea hibiscus, Cotton Tree, Mahoe
- Family: Malvaceae
- Varietals: Variegated plants exist, also (var. rubra) has deep red foliage
- Habitat/Range: Coastal pantropical
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Tree;
- Leaves: Heart-shaped, Dark green on top, whitish on bottom
- Flowers: None
- Fruit/Seed: Seeds can be collected from pods for propagation, soak in warm water overnight, plant and wait 2-4 weeks
- Stem/Bark: Grayish brown
- Growth: Fast
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 6-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun. Tolerate partial shade once established.
- Water Use: Drought tolerant once established, moderate water, salt spray.
- Soil Mix: Sandy, Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn)
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning for Ramification: Regular pruning is essential from late winter to early spring, Clip and grow method.
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature. Can completely defoliate in summer.
- Wiring: Wire using a heavy guage for primary branches. Wire in winter when sap flow is lower, but monitor closely as the wire may scar the plant.
Gallery images
First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
